Common Work-Related Orthopedic Injuries

Many studies have examined the types of work-related injuries that tend to happen in various types of professions, and how frequently they indeed happen. The types of injuries are generally not that surprising: People who have to lift heavy loads every day tend to have back and knee problems, office workers are susceptible to carpal tunnel syndrome and vision problems, and those who work in a factory may endure lung problems and muscular issues.

But what is surprising is that, within the private industry sector, the number of nonfatal injuries and illnesses in 2018 in the U.S. was highest in Health Care and Social Assistance field at over 548,000 reported incidents, according to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. Manufacturing was a distant second at 394,600 reported incidents.

If you are injured on the job, it is important to see a physician quickly in order to document the injury and the fact that it was indeed job-related. If it is not medically documented, you may have trouble getting the workers’ compensation you need and deserve.

Let’s take a look at some of the most common types of work-related injuries:

Overexertion Injury

Workers who must lift heavy boxes or bags tend to suffer overexertion injuries, particularly to their back, knees, hips, and shoulders. A worker may experience a slipped disc in their back or pain in their joints or muscles.

Injury Due to a Fall

Falls can happen in any workplace, which is why it is so important for employers to be sure to clearly mark areas where the floor is slick, the walking area is uneven, or the pavement is icy. A fall can cause minor or serious injuries, including everything from a sprained ankle to a concussion.

Certain professions tend to report more incidences of falls, including the following:

Roofers

Window cleaners

Building cleaning-service professionals

Construction workers

Repetitive-Motion Injury

Most professions tend to demand certain repetitive motions to accomplish various tasks, but this can cause eventual injury to the parts of the body that are performing these repeated motions. Your orthopedic physician can recommend braces to wear and support belts that can help you avoid developing a health problem, as well as physical therapy to help prevent developing an injury.

Whereas carpenters and hairdressers may develop overuse injuries such as rotator cuff tendonitis in the shoulder, office workers who spend all day sitting down at a desk working at a computer – such as web developers, writers, secretaries, designers, and IT (information technology) professionals – may get carpal tunnel syndrome in their wrists and hands. Even heavy-labor industries can create repetitive-motion injury, such as lifting and throwing items or boxes in the same way.

Work Injury Doctor in Fort Lauderdale

There are many ways in which people can get hurt on the job and require workers’ compensation. To protect yourself financially, you need medical proof to stand by the injury claim and assure the insurance company you were injured while working.

If you have been injured on the job, contact our team at Total Orthopaedic Care for a medical evaluation by a skilled orthopedist and to document your injury. We have two convenient locations in Broward County: Lauderdale Lakes and Pembroke Pines.

You can call us at (954) 735-3535 or request an appointment online now. We look forward to taking care of your injury and helping you feel as good as new.